I Look Forward To

One thing that keeps me going are the things I look forward to doing -- be it a personal event, opening, completion, something, and anything as long as I'm enthused at.  As September soon exits and October takes over, these are a few things I Look Forward to:

1.  Weekend is one of those things I always look forward to because it means I will not wake up too early, I will not bring Z to school, I will not be home alone, it's mall day, and family bonding.  

2.  This weekend will be extra special, yahooo!  We'll have visitors!  Ian, Kriziann, Kliff, and Trunki (Zs' travel buddy) are coming. Good news, good news, just awesome!

3.  Bonding time with my sister as they'll be here for a week.  Shopping!  Window shopping hahaha but still the same, I am just as excited.  

4.  In the span of six years a lot of constructions have been taking place within the neighborhood.  What truly most excites me is the convenient and impressive access or connectivity of KL Sentral's MRT and LRT stations.  Currently, you need to get out from LRT KL Sentral walk all the way down the street, cross, and make your way to the KL Sentral MRT station.  Once the construction is done you don't need to worry about traffic lights, vehicles, and going up and down.  While the construction is going on, it's a muscle building moment with your baggage as you alight from KL Sentral LRT because you need to use the staircase going down to transfer to MRT or for a bus ride.  Elevator is only going up.  It says in the poster free porter but where is the porter?  If you see one he's either sitting down or busy with his phone.  

that will be the link. from KL Sentral to 1 Sentral then MRT.

5.   The completion and opening of 1 Sentrum(from 1 Sentral) corp office.  Why am I looking forward to this?  Because it means no more construction obstructing the road!  Lookie at the pic, with all those white & orange barriers and machines.  I'm intrigued by panels they are placing outside the building, will it be lamp posts or simply metal stuff decos?  Will let you know then.  

6.  The opening of H&M and Daiso branches at Avenue K because it means they are a lot nearer to KLCC.  Exit KLCC platform, go up, and it's Ave K.  Shallow!☺  Still, I'm looking forward ☺.

7.  Opening of Smiggle, hopefully end of this year.  I want to see all those pinks, knickknacks, school stuff, girly stuff, and kiddie stuff from Australia. ☺

8.  To finish watching "Mistresses S1". I am done with EP1-8 so it leaves me to 5 more episodes.  It's quite an interesting TV series.  It's like reading a book that you can't put down not until you reach the last page.  But I have to pause because I have a son to pick up from school☺.  From my stand, I hate Savi for cheating on Harry but I admire her standing up to her mistake.  Still, I am against the infidelity act and with just 1 mistake it did a great toll on her marriage to Harry.  I can't blame Harry if he can't father what is not his, unless they both agreed in the first place but that's another story.  All the girls are embroiled in their own situation, it's either you cringe with anger from their decisions, sympathize, relate, hate one, love one, judge them and etc.  This is one show I can recommend to my lady friends and this series has a lot to show not just about Mistresses.  

9.  To finish 1 more book in September and reading 2 to 3 books in October.

10.  Re-visit Putrajaya ☺.

11.  October 15.  HOLIDAY!  No work and no school as it's  Hari Raya Qurban.  As read, "it's an important day for all Muslims as they reaffirm their faith with Allah and give thanks to him to the blessings he had showered upon them."  

12.  October!  Jack's birth month.  For the 1st time in 9 years we'll be celebrating it with him together ☺☺.  No party, no frills, no black ties .. just a family gathering and his red wine ☺.  Our presence will be our presents to him (nyahehehehe).  You can't buy that!  

  

13.  Ending this piece because I said a few and now I've got more than 10 fingers ☺.  

Want to make a list of your own too?  I'm sure if you make your own I Look Forward To list, you'll have more than what I have just enumerated.  

Stay close with your loved ones and have fun!

27º

Yahoo weather says 27º yet i feel it's more than the figure.  It's not just today but since Sunday but it's on this Tuesday that really causes a stir in my consciousness.  My sweats a non-stop, I thought I was washing the dishes inside a sauna bath.  It was more like cooking rather than washing with all the sweats on my brows, forehead, neck, back, and chest.   Whining, whining, and whining.  As I toweled myself, wow! I felt refreshed and then it dawned on me that I have no right to whine.  Instead I should be grateful! Yeah! Grateful!

1.  Sweating is good.  It's releases toxins.  And this caused me to search about sweating and this I bumped into http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/exercises/sweating-why-its-good-for-you.html#b  do read the link, it's not that long but worth dropping by.

2.  I got to appreciate the moment of feeling refreshed after I toweled myself.

3.  I have no right to whine indeed because I'm still in a much better position right now compared to those who are inflicted with civil unrest and natural calamities.  

Whew! Frenetic as I am (as always!).  I'm just too pleased that I got to realize things (not that quick but just in time) and so I get to make this piece.  

How about warming up the mood more?  Not a bad idea after all! ☺☺  Just gulped everything ... hot chocolate with a dash of cayenne pepper ☺☺☺.  Sorry I can't post a picture, my i-connection is way too slow.  

And as we go to sleep tonight, let me also share this quote which I just read from my IG "If you cannot be positive, then at least be quiet."☺☺

aircrafts .. goose bumps .. books .. peace .. tomorrow

          It's a rare chance for me to see military helicopters pass by the skies of Mandaue when I was much younger.  It was a thrill seeing a helicopter passing by and yes, I even waived my hands as I see one.  I don't care if the men in uniforms saw me, I just want to waive and smile.  As knowledge widens, I began to associate helicopters with government instability, rebellion and worst war.  Unfortunate!  It could also be harboured from you know, movies, the coup d'état days, news, and from books. 

          Last year, as SG Day approaches we were at Gardens by the Bay enjoying the grandeur of the place, taking pictures when suddenly, I had goose bumps.  Zoom after zoom after zoom went the jet fighter planes.  Fighter planes?  Is there a war?  My brain and my heart were running wild together.  It was the closest encounter of mine with those huge birds and gosh, the sonic boom sound caused me palpitations.  I really can't understand how I felt, I was terrified, I had misty eyes, and I fear for our safety.  I got back my steady feet only when my sister told me, it's normal that happens every year as SG Day approaches.  They'll have air exhibitions, celebration and programme on that day.  Oh! I see.  I don't like the sounds as it makes me a scaredy-cat!  It could have caused me a heart attack.

          If we had not experienced it in SG last year and this year, I think I'll have a nervous breakdown in KL☺☺.  It's the same thing that happened here last August when Merdeka Day was approaching. For a week, a number of helicopters and jet fighter planes were roaming around to and fro.  I felt like I'm living inside a Military Air Base or in a war zone.  As usual, my brain was thinking differently but at least this time I am a bit composed. 

          For the past few days, they are roaming around again.  Thinking, thinking!  Merdeka Day is over, it was so in August!  Last Monday(16/09/13), it was Malaysia Day but there were no big birds zooming around the day time skies days prior the holiday.  It's not fear but the sounds emanating from these birds I find eerie and disturbing.  The more my feelings are heightened up with the current intense situation at Zamboanga and these sky machines also synchronizes with my readings, why of all days!  I was reading the remaining two books of Suzanne Collins -- Catching Fire and Mockingjay that are both tackling about ruthless games, massacre, hijacking, and uprising.  I'm glad I finished the last book last night.

helicopters .. no fighter planes either too fast or other side of the building

          So, what is this commotion all about?  I tried to read from the net yesterday but I found none or I searched using wrong words?!  I am so clueless since Tuesday not until I heard the DJ this morning on the way to school that there are roadblocks for the rehearsals of the Armed Forces.  Anyways, Okie, Dokie!  Finally, I know the reason now.  Tomorrow is the 80th Armed Forces Day of Malaysia. As per www.malaysiandefence.com/?p=3604, there will be a parade and display at Dataran Merdeka tomorrow.  It's a relief that all these aircrafts are just doing rehearsals for an important event still, I have an unsteady pulse and the sounds are uncomfortable. Even the car alarms are not comfortable as the fighter planes pass by☺☺.   Congratulations to the Armed Forces of Malaysia and be safe always!

          Tomorrow is also a memorable date for every Filipino.  Tomorrow marks the 41st year when once upon a time Philippines was placed under a Martial Law.  A little bit of History won't bite ☺.  I look forward to a much better Philippines and let us all continue praying for everyone in Zamboanga.  May we will always remember "The Prayer of Saint Francis" and this also be a reminder to me that "Peace begins with Me".  I still believe that one day we will have a united, corrupt-free, peaceful, and sturdy Philippines.

To a peaceful and meaningful weekend with our loved ones.

today's blessings

Everyday is a blessing, from the time we wake up and until we call it a day. If there is one thing I am most consistent for years it's being grateful for everything -- past, present, and future.  And today, there are more blessings that poured in ...

For me -- because a friend and her family visited me at home.  They kept me company for an hour.  Home has never been the same since Z started going back to school.  I miss his company although at times he challenges my patience and sanity.  Today, it was an after lunch of smiles, interaction, fun, bonding and realization of a wish too ☺.  Finally, I have received a mooncake from a dear friend.  Yahoooo!!! Thanks to Siew Fong ☺.  

For Z -- because he received an unexpected Langkawi souvenir fridge magnet from his classmate.  All of them received one, wow!  So thoughtful of that child.  She reminds me of someone ☺ ... me?! (lol!)  Unfortunately, the magnet is broken (ouchiness!).  But bulldog can do something, right?!

For Mads Opel -- because she received her advance wedding anniversary Lacoste gift bags.  I'm so happy for her.  Bags have a special part in my heart, always and forever!  ☺.   I am also happy and thankful that Pader Joel has never changed his sweetness to Mads.  Congrats guys!

For Imma -- because her lime-green Honda Jazz is already in her possession. I think between us, I am the happiest ☺.  Honda Jazz has a special spot in my life too. ☺.  And I can't wait to give it a spin come December ... oh! yes! Hehehe Congrats Imz!

Be it a small thing or a big thing, we must not forget to say our Thanks to the giver and most specially to the One Above who makes all these things possible.  Today, I also thank my parents, my nephews, and siblings (I&K) for connecting with us through Tango.  To the makers of Tango, thank you for this app.  

And before I say good night ... 

To Z, it ripped my heart seeing you "sitting alone in the dining table " version for "face the wall".  It broke Mom's heart to see you in tears but we should be most grateful to Dada because he is here to help you and me see the bad/good ways of a thing and why things are to be this way and not the other way around.  Learn and learn by heart.

Good night everyone and I hope there are more blessings coming your way too.

Advance Happy Birthday to Legoland Malaysia

It was in September 15 last year that Legoland opened in Johor Bahru and a day more it turns a year older.  They have good news to annual pass holders and exciting activities at it celebrates its anniversary.  Come October 21, 2013 another section of the park opens and it's the Water Park.  For more details, news and updates just visit http://www.legoland.com.my.  I am not part of its Marketing arm or related to Legoland Malaysia in whatsoever but because I'm a fan I just want to share and promote Legoland ☺.

As early as now I'm claiming it!  We are going back to Legoland Malaysia anytime soon☺.  The power of positive thinking hehehe.  I can't also wait for the completion of its hotel next year.  What will it look like?  Will it be in blocks too?  Just excited!

We enjoyed our last visit and will enjoy our next visits.  

Good night everyone and May you have another fulfilling weekend.  Spend it wisely and spend it with your family.  ☺☺☺☺.

Mid-Autumn Memories

          Even before Hari Raya I have already noticed the presence of mooncake booths near the groceries.  In my mind I just said "okay, mooncake."  The more they became visible and more mooncake offerings came as it gets mid-August.   Way back, I was too curious of tasting a mooncake but never had the intention of buying one though I did hope someone will give me one which never happened.  Then finally, I had a taste of it when an officemate shared it and she said it's just red bean inside.  I didn't even had the interest of learning what it is for and what it's really made of, I just accepted the red bean thingy.  I may have asked about mooncake festival but never left a memory.

          So when my Chinese-Malaysian friend asked me if I had tasted one I immediately said "Yes" and with full confidence I added "it's just red bean inside."  Then I knew that it's not just plainly made of red bean hehehe.  I asked her what happens on that day?  She said, children play with lanterns then Chinese families gather and celebrate.  But over time she said, it's not celebrated as much as it used to be.  But I think giving of mooncake to families/friends are still being practiced as she said she'll give me one.  At last, someone will give me a mooncake!  Excited hehehe!

          Because I was so impressed with what I saw at the Mid-Autumn Memories fair this afternoon my curiosity intensified.  There were booths from different establishments showcasing their mooncake flavors and My, oh my!  My eyes popped out, my neck stretched high trying to be like a giraffe, my pulse quickened, my mind was racing and I just want to walk around and see everything.  Actually!  Those descriptions were not meant for the mooncake but for the packaging! ☺.   I was so drawn to the elaborately designed boxes.  I fell in love with the luxurious and impressive gift boxes of hotels -- Hilton, Renaissance, Shangri-la, and InterContinental.  Once all the mooncakes are consumed the boxes can still be used or recycled, not bad right?!  Call me crazy but it's just me, appreciative hehehe.  Okay back to the main thing.  Per booth has its own mooncake version and stuff.  There is the traditional mooncake flavor, tea flavored, mooncake ice cream (Haagen Dazs), and Hilton's special limited edition Musang King which is made of Durian.  It's their fast selling flavor.  I'm not a fan of Durian so I'm not so affected by it's unavailability.  So mean!  Anyways, we hang out at Hilton's booth and splurged with the free tastes.  Yes it's soft, smooth, sweet, I think 1 mooncake is to share unless you are a real lover of it, tastes good, it's like hopia of a higher level and for me it's $$$ per piece. For Hilton and it's nearby booths, it ranges from RM10 to RM33 a piece.  As I was so captivated with the boxes, I was not able to check with the other stores prices.          

booths at Mid Valley Mall

U-L:  Hilton boxes  U-R: Dragon-i boxes

L-L: Shangri-la boxes L-R: Renaissance boxes

U-L: InterContinental boxes   R: Haagen Dazs mooncakes and box

L-L: some of Hilton's mooncakes -- U-L: Yellow Moon (Snow skin Violet flower essence & chocolate center with brandy flavoured lotus paste) U-R: Baked white lotus paste

L-L: Blue Moon (Snow skin Amaretto lotus paste w/ blueberry cheese Feuillantine) 

L-R: Flower Drum (Snow skin lotus paste with soft custard egg yolk)

          So, Mid-Autumn Festival is a Chinese tradition in celebration of the Harvest Festival.  This year, its celebration will be on the 19th of September.  This is the time where Chinese families gather and celebrate.  It is worthy knowing as I read through Wikipedia that:

• "sharing of round mooncakes among family members signify the completeness and unity of families".
• "Meanings of the festival consists of 3 fundamental meanings closely tied to one another -- gathering, thanksgiving, and praying."  

Therefore, the mooncake is not just there as a mere cake to be eaten, to be given or received but one meaningful occasion.  Be it the Hari Raya, Mooncake festival, Christmas and other celebration, May we'll always remember that each celebration has an ultimate purpose(s) and each one holds values that can provide us understanding, inspiration, reminder, and guidance.  

Now I can say, I have my own Mid-Autumn memory too.  

---

Today is September 8 and it's the birthday of Mother Mary.  Let us not forget to greet her, thank her and worship her.  Have a blessed Sunday everyone.  It's time for me to Zzzzzzz!  

  

Panic attack!

What would you do if you get trapped at your own abode?

        For the many times I had let myself out and stayed at our laundry place, this the first time that I could hear my heart thumping loud, adrenaline rush, "what to do?" and speedy thoughts kind of feeling. 

        It's not unusual that I close the door before sweeping the floors of our laundry section.  I'm aware though that there is something wrong with the doorknob but never it crossed my mind that among all days it has to happen today.  Bang!  The loudness of the bang sound when the door closed was as loud as the bang that my mind yelped!  No way, highway!  The lock malfunctioned and locked me out.   I'm way floooooooooors away from help.  Z is at school, I need to pick him up at 2:30PM, Jack is at work and worst, I have no phone.  Gosh!  Oh God.  The Toilet's windows and the 2nd room's windows are way too difficult to break in.  Break the door knob but with what?  Choices: plastic chair, broom, bottle, waste basket, a stepper??  Last and worst choice is to break the jalousie windows with my bare hands.  Our kitchen sink has a 2 column windows made of jalousies.  It's of thick glasses, always closed and locked from the inside(of course, why from the outside?!).  I had no choice but to try my luck.  I slowly lifted the 2nd piece of the jalousie and glad it gave way a bit.  I tried to reach the lock from the inside but it requires more lifting.  As long as I can reach the lock and open it I don't care what happens next.  I'll face the music afterwards.  This is my make or break moment.

        Thank you Lord for the help!  No amount of relief to describe when I held the door open and immediately got inside.  Whew!  Minor scratches and no broken window glass .... super whew!  

That door badly needs a new doorknob!  What an afternoon.  I don't need coffee to keep me awake as I'm too wide awake now!

Have a safe day everyone.  Change what needs to be changed and don't be like me, okay?!  TTFN!  It's almost 2:30PM and it's time to be a school bus ☺ ☺. 

Vacation no more

Every circle starts with a single dot that moves around until it reaches where it started.  It has been the longest summer vacation for Z and like any other vacation it finally comes to a halt.  

Officially today, it's back to school.  New school, new environment, new people to meet, new beginnings, and more.  

    yesterday's pic -- while it was raining and covering his books. i need a hot choco break!

Have fun today Z!  Goodluck and hope you can make new friends today.